Biography of Webster L. RyboltNorth Central Ohio Biographies

Webster L. Rybolt. One of the most progressive business men of Ashland is Webster L. Rybolt, who is general
manager of the Rybolt Heater Company. He was born at Milford, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1878, the son of Thomas D. and Winifred
(Morrison) Rybolt.

Thomas D. Rybolt was a native of Ohio, born at Milford. He served throughout the Civil War as a member of Company
H, 153rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Throughout his life Mr. Rybolt was a farmer. He was a Democrat, a member of the
Methodist Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Rybolt died in 1922 and his wife died in
1886. She was a native of Cork, Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Rybolt were born six children: 1. D. C., who is purchasing
agent for the State of Ohio. He served from 1920 until 1926 as mayor of Akron, Ohio, and previous to that time
was principal of Akron High School for a period of 17 years. 2. Harry, who died at Indianapolis, Ind., in 1925.
3. C. E., who is president of the Rybolt Heater Company and manager of the company's branch in Cincinnati. 4. T.
B., who died in Cleveland in 1926. 5. Webster L., the subject of this sketch. 6. Clarence, who is secretary of
the Rybolt Heating Company.

The boyhood of Webster L. Rybolt was spent on his father's farm near Milford, and after his graduation from Milford
High School he spent a year at Delaware College, after which he taught school for two years at Milford. He then
accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Philip Carey Manufacturing Company in Cincinnati, and after a year entered
tile employ of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company in Cincinnati, with whom he was identified for ten years. He
resigned as assistant manager and at that time became interested in business for himself, becoming a specialist
in the installation of heating plants. In 1916 he organized and incorporated the Rybolt Heater Company, and at
that time purchased the old Ashland Foundry Company on Miller Street, which was extensively remodeled. The Rybolt
Warm Air Furnace became widely known as one of the leading furnaces on the market, and the business increased to
such an extent that it was necessary to erect a new factory building on Miller Street. About 175 men are employed
in the plant, which has an office force of ten people, with five traveling representatives throughout the United
States. Mr. Rybolt is widely known in the warm air heating industry with which he has been actively identified
for the past 25 years, and his knowledge of the business is broad, thorough and scientific. He is familiar with
all details of furnace manufacture and installation, and is recognized as an authority of this particular type
of furnace. Mr. Rybolt is also a director of the First National Bank and the Ashland Building & Loan Company.

In 1901 Mr. Rybolt was united in marriage with Miss Erma Marsh, of Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of George and
Agnes (Maxfield) Marsh, who were natives of Batavia, Ohio. Mr. Marsh died in 1928 and his wife died in 1920. Both
are buried at Milford, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Rybolt were born two sons: Arthur L., born Jan. 4, 1904, a graduate
of Ashland High School and Ohio State University, class of 1925, now associated in business with his father as
assistant manager of the Rybolt Heater Company. He lives at home. 2. Robert M., born Sept. 17, 1913, a graduate
of Ashland High School, class of 1931. He has taken a prominent part in athletics, being a member of the varsity
football, basketball and baseball teams at Ashland High School, and was recognized as one of the best defensive
basket ball players Ashland High School has produced. He now attends Ohio State University.

Mr. Rybolt is a Republican in politics and is State Central Committeeman of the 17th District. He and his family
hold membership in the Presbyterian Church, and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, Elks Lodge,
Lions Club, and is an honorary member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mr. Rybolt lives at 323 West Washington Street. He is an ardent sportsman and takes a great interest in fine riding
horses. He also enjoys golf and fishing.